Students at Australian Christian College in Echuca, Victoria, were greeted with an unusual sight when they arrived at school on Tuesday morning, 3 March. Walking through the gates was their Principal, Kevin Sourgen, but instead of the suit and tie typically associated with an independent school leader, he was dressed head-to-toe in school uniform.
Sourgen was taking part in the ‘Shadow a Student’ initiative, swapping his office for the classroom for the day. By following Prep student Harvey Zeglin’s schedule from start to finish, Sourgen got a rare, ground-level view of school life – experiencing firsthand what a typical day feels like for a young student in 2026.
“I began the day with a strong sense that our students experience calm, settled and harmonious classrooms,” Sourgen told The Educator. “We work intentionally to establish firm routines and clear engagement norms, reducing cognitive load so students are ready to learn.”
That structure is especially important in the early years, Sourgen noted.
“I was particularly interested in observing this through the lens of a Prep student who has only been at school for five weeks,” he said.
“Seeing how quickly those routines are embedded, and how confidently students operate within them, reinforced just how foundational consistency and clarity are to a positive learning culture.”
Sourgen said sitting through numeracy, ICT and history classes back-to-back was “a genuine joy”.
“From the floor during explicit instruction to desk work during independent tasks, I watched students absorb new concepts with focus and enthusiasm,” he recalled.
“The pace is purposeful, and the energy remains remarkably steady because routines support independence.”
What struck Sourgen the most was the sustained attention and the high standard of work being produced, particularly so early in the school year.
“From the office, you see outcomes; in the classroom, you see the discipline, engagement and resilience that produce them. It was extremely encouraging.”
When asked if there is one change – big or small – he is now considering after shadowing Harvey, Sourgen said it is creating more opportunities for immersion rather than brief classroom visits.
“Shadowing for a full day allowed me to experience learning from the student perspective in a way a quick walkthrough never can,” Sourgen said.
“I would value more structured time moving through classes, sitting alongside students and engaging in their routines.”
Sourgen said this deepens relational connection and sharpens leadership insight.
“Beyond that, my hope is simply that more families can experience the quality of education we are privileged to offer here.”
Reflecting on the experience, Harvey said it was a good experience having his Principal next to him all day, even if it “felt a bit funny” to be the centre of attention.
“I liked showing him my work and telling him what I was doing,” Harvey said. “I think he liked sitting on the floor with us. It was a little bit different.”
Harvey said another valuable aspect of the initiative is helping Principals understand what school is actually like for young people in 2026.
“Sometimes school is trickier than grown-ups think. You have to sit still and listen a lot, even when you feel wiggly,” he said. “Thinking all day can make your brain tired.”
Looking ahead, Harvey said it would be “funny and fun” to have a student be Principal for a day at his school.
“Then Mr Sourgen could see what it’s like to be us, and we could see what it’s like to be him.”